By Ed Dove

The 61-year-old has turned up the heat on Germany ahead of their World Cup last-16 encounter as he suggested that Spain and England's early exits were not surprising

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic has questioned the motivation of the European teams at the World Cup ahead of his side's last-16 clash with Germany on Monday.

Les Fennecs have impressed so far this summer, and escaped from Group H after victory over South Korea and a draw with Russia saw them progress behind Belgium.

They now face Germany, who topped Group G with seven points, but Halilhodzic has piled the pressure on Joachim Low's side by suggesting that European teams - including Spain and England, who suffered ignominious group-stage exits - lack the same will to win as others in Brazil.

"It wasn't a surprise, for me, that England got knocked out," he said, speaking to a press conference. "There was some saturation for them, they just came from a tiring season.

"There's also a lack of motivation I've seen in the European teams, some psychological issues. Some players aren't really willing to win, they didn't give their all.

"[There was a] Lack of ambition for Spain, they won absolutely everything they had over the last decade."

Halilhodzic did, however, warn of the challenge that awaits them against Germany - though he maintains they are under less pressure."It's an historic match against a great opponent, it doesn’t matter if its 45 degrees," he said of the clash, which is expected to be played in stifling conditions. "My players have to be motivated, otherwise we won't have a chance.

"We have to control the ball, and we know the qualities of this German team. For us, it will be very challenging.

"They are favourites for tomorrow, but Algeria is capable of surprising. We are confident, and are improving at every match.

"Tomorrow we'll have nothing to lose, not like it was against Russia."

Should Algeria manage to overcome Germany, they will face either France or Nigeria in the quarter-finals.